{Quick Tutorial} Sewing Machine Cover

My sewing machine doesn't get anywhere near the attention it deserves these days.  However, I still look longingly at it sat in the corner, wishing I had a few hours to spare to start some of the many projects I have going around in my head.

So imagine my complete disgust when I did set it up this morning and found a spider happily making it home in my beloved sewing machine!!!  I was mortified, so decided to get rid of Mr Skinny Legs (could have been Mrs, it didnt stick around long for me to ask) and do the only thing I could do, decide which fabric to use to make a sewing machine cover.

I've put together a quick tutorial so you can have a go at making your own.  

For this I used - 1/2 metre Michael Miller Mod Blooms

3/4 metre of turquoise spotty ribbon

Sewing machine

White thread
Pins

1. Ok, this is how I worked out my measurements.  You'll need to cut two pieces from your fabric. For the first piece (the smallest piece) I measured to the highest point of my machine and the widest point at the side (where the handwheel is).  For the second piece (the biggest piece) I measured the widest point of the front of my machine then for the length I did two times the height of my machine plus the widest point at the side. Make sense??? (for those of you into equations, it would look something like this....h x 2 + w)

2. Cut two fabric pieces depending on your measurements.  My fabric measured 31 by 16 inches and the second piece 7 by 12 inches.  I allowed a 1/2 inch seam allowance throughout.  This will probably fit most machines if the above explanation confused you! 

3. Still with me??  Good.  Sew a 1/2 in hem around what will be your three open edges of your larger pieces of fabric (one long edge and both short edges).  You could line your cover with other fabric (or make it reversible!?) but for the purposes of this tutorial, I wanted to keep it simple.

4. Pin the second smaller piece of fabric, right side to right side, to the last long raw edge of the larger piece of fabric.  This will make the back panel that will give your cover shape and cover the part where your hand wheel is.  Sew into place using a half inch seam, carefully tucking and sewing across the corners, not leaving any gaps.

5.  Fit your cover over your machine and measure on both open edges where you would like your ribbon to fasten.  I used about 12 inches for each side so I could tie it in a nice bow.  Pin your ribbon in place and sew.  Two lines should do it, ensuring you back stitch to re-inforce your stitching, however you could also do a cross between the lines just to be sure.

6. Tie the ribbons and there you have it, one sewing machine all tucked up for the night and most importantly, safe from spiders!

Whats more, I now have this gorgeous fabric to stare at instead of just my white machine.  Not a bad thing!

I hope that all made sense and that you find the time to give it a go!  It really only took half an hour or so to do from start to finish.  Think the most difficult part is the measuring (my maths isnt the best).

Dont forget you can find all the materials I used over in the shop and if you give it a go, send us a picture!

{In The Shop} New Florals and Fruit

There's always lots of excitement around here (for me anyway) when new fabrics arrive.  Needless to say I was over the moon when a BIG fabric order arrived last week with lots and lots of new florals, strawberry ginghams, spotty fabric and some gorgeous "shabby chic" style fabric with flowers and hearts.  Here are a few favourites....

Strawberry Gingham - Red

Cottage Garden - Petal Pink

Pretty Peonys - Biscuit

Elephants Parade - Sugar Pink

The Elephants Parade fabric also comes in Wine, Biscuit and Navy and would be perfect for any new baby makes.  These are just a few of our newest fabrics in.  Lots more still to be listed so make sure you check back soon!

Something else new...

Also new on our shelves are some ribbon bundles, carefully put together to match our fabrics and, hopefully, any makes you might find yourself making!!  We have five types, Blacks & Reds, Candy Floss Pinks, HoHoHo, Little Boy Blue and Spring Has Sprung.

Candy Floss Pinks

HoHoHo

Have a lovely week everyone!

{Giveaway} And The Winner Is.....

Thank you so much to everyone that entered our giveaway.  Not only were there lot and lots (and lots) of entries but there were so many lovely comments about the tutorial, the fabrics and just the blog in general!  So thank you, it is very much appreciated that you take the time to comment and say such nice things.

So without anymore ramblings, the winner, as picked by the Random Generator is....

Which by our calculations is....

Pip @ Sock Yarn Shop

 

CONGRATULATIONS!!  An email will be on its way shortly.

We truly wish everyone who entered could win a prize.  Next time, we wont leave it so long to have another giveaway!   

 

{Design Team} New Makes and A New Fabric

This months makes from our Design Team are a bit special for two reasons.  Firstly, they are different to anything I've seen (and I see a lot of crafty stuff!) and secondly, they use a fabric that is going on sale in our shop today!

This is what they were sent.....

Looks like a napkin, but it is a FQ of a new fabric to us Michael Miller's Mod Blooms in White and a metre of co-ordinating turquoise spotty ribbon. 

I think they will all agree this months was a more difficult one as the print on the fabric is quite large.  However, they did not disappoint and this months makes are all so different from each other!  Anyway, here's what they came up with....

Copyright Sweet Williams Soft Furnishings, Cards and Gifts

Emma at Sweet Williams made the most amazing fabric basket.  The pink spotty lining is a perfect match and sets off the flowers beautifully!  She also came up with a lavender bag and, having seen a fair few lavender bags in my time, I think its fair to say this modern fabric jazzes it up!  Both will be available to buy via Emma's facebook page. 

Copyright Sew Ray Me

Copyright Sew Ray Me

Rachael from Sew Ray Me also made two gorgeous makes this month and really showed off the fabric well.  Rachael used embroidery to make some of the detail really stand out (in her words, she picked some co-ordinating threads and just started sewing!).  She then backed it onto some gingham and made it into this really sweet notebook cover, using the ribbon as detail on the front and as a book mark.  

Copyright Sew Ray Me

Having some fabric left, Rachaels second make was some lovely lavender pouches and again, this fabric makes them look so modern.  She finished them off with little ribbon tags.  

Copyright Willowlane Designs

Lane over at Willowlane Designs came up with THE most adorable 0-3 month baby skirt.  She used the Mod Bloom fabric for the top layer and underneath made a co-ordinating green skirt, all with an elasticated waist.  What a fantastic idea, this fabric would make some amazing kids clothes for the summer (should the summer ever decide to make an appearance).  I got the chance to see this on its owner on the weekend and I think she liked it a lot!

Copyright Heartstitch

Elli from Heartstitch, inspired by how bright and sunny this fabric is, took her thoughts to sunny places and created this fantastic passport cover.

Copyright Heartstitch

Copyright Heartstitch

As Elli said, this project is small enough to finish in an hour or so but big enough to suit the print.  Such a unique make and so well made, a must for anyone going on holiday this year! 

Feeling inspired?!  We hope so.  Its been another month of dazzling talent from our Design Team!  Do pop over to their blogs to say hi. 

The new fabric is now in the shop and can be purchased here.  We'd love to see what you create with it! 

{Giveaway} Ruffle Cushion Fabrics n' More!

There has been such a great response to the Ruffle Cushion Tutorial!  Thank you to everyone who has commented and emailed.  We hope you were inspired to give it a go and we're looking forward to seeing all your makes! 

Its been an age since we've had a giveaway so we thought you might like the chance to make your own ruffle cushions!  So here we have....

You can win....

Three FQs from the Riley Blake Daisy Cottage Collection

A pin wheel containing 40 pearl headed pins

and 3 metres of wide satin ribbon

Everything you need to make the cushions, all you need to add is some toy stuffing (or the inside of an old cushion as I tend to do!) and a sewing machine.

So what do you need to do to enter???  Its easy...

1. Follow our blog and leave a comment below saying you do and that you'd like to enter.

Ummm, thats it!  It couldnt be easier.

Of course for extra entries you could....

2. Like us over on Facebook

3. Follow us on Twitter

Leave a comment below for each and we will count your extra entries.

The giveaway will close next Friday, the 6th July at 5.00pm (GMT) and will be drawn later on that evening.

Thats the boring bit out the way - thanks for reading and GOOD LUCK!!!

{Quick Tutorial} Ruffle Cushion

Hello blog followers!  Lovely to have you with us...

I just had to share this project as its super quick and super cute!  I know you're going to become addicted to making ruffle cushions in every colour to match every room.  Plus, the best bit is, it uses just one fat quarter and some ribbon - how easy is that!?

First things first this is what you'll need....

1 fabric FQ - mines from the Riley Blake Daisy Cottage Collection

1.5m of wide ribbon

Pins, Thread, Cushion/Toy stuffing, Sewing Machine

1. Start pinning your ribbon, about 3 inches in from one of the short edges of your fat quarter.  It doesnt need to be precise, just tuck it under and pin to keep in place until you sew it.

2. Once you've gone all the way down, machine sew into place using a long straight stitch.

3. Fold in half right sides together and pin in place.  Sew around two and a half edges so you have space to put the filling in.

4. Stuff with cushion filling and close the opening, and voila!  Very simple but very effective ruffle cushion....

I wasnt lying when I said they are easy!  Infact, I love them so much, I made another two from the Daisy Cottage fabric for our playroom...

I'd say they took around 30 - 45 minutes to make and I'd made three in just under an hour and a half.  The bit that takes the longest is pinning the ruffles!

So go give it a go!! Would love to see any ruffle cushions you make. 

Where to start? At the beginning of course!

Whenever we are at craft fairs often people come by our stall, admire all the lovely fabrics, buttons, bit and bobs and say to us "I love all this but I cant sew".  My answer to them is "Just give it a go!".

I've always been "crafty" (some say in more ways than one) but there was a time not so long ago that I was new to sewing.  It was something I admired, something I wanted to try but then one day I found some gorgeous fabric I fell in love with and I haven't looked back!

So I thought I'd put together quick list of "must-haves" for anyone wanting to take up sewing, whether it be dressmaking or making things for your home, this is what I think are the very basics you need to get started.*

1. Needles

A range of needles in different sizes are useful for hand sewing but you will find one you are comfortable with once you start sewing.

2. Sewing Machine

This is the exact machine I have and it's amazing for beginners as its so easy to set up but has a variety of stitches, tensions and functions once you become more advanced.  I use mine mainly for plain straight stitching but have also done a number of lovely appliqués using the zig zag stitch on this machine.  Also, doesn't cost the earth!

3. Pins

Long pins with coloured ends are handing for pining work in place before you sew.  Also, a great tip I was given if you are machine sewing, the more pins you put in the slower you will sew and therefore, will have more control.  It works too!

4. Seam ripper
For when your stitching just isnt quite right!  So much better than using scissors which WILL rip your fabric (trust me, I've tried).

5. Tape Measure
No sewing box should be without one of these!  A retractable one saves it getting all tangled around other stuff.

6. Rotary Cutter

Some may say this isnt essential and a good pair of scissors will do.  I do agree, a good pair of scissors is invaluable for cutting smaller and irregular shapes.  However, if you are thinking of having a go at patchwork or quilting or will be cutting a lot of straight lines, it is so much easier to get an accurate cut with this.  A metal ruler and cutting mat is also needed.

7. Fabrics
And lots of them!!  Whatever takes your fancy, cotton, polycotton, fat quarters or metres of it, its important to have a good range of fabrics that you like in your stash in case inspiration strikes!

8. Magazines and Books
Mollie Makes is a favourite (and we will soon be stocking it!) but there are lots of books and magazines out there ready to inspire you and guide you in your next make.  I tend not to follow patterns to the letter, preferring to be inspired and use patterns to give me a starting point.

So thats it, my list of what I think you need to get started.  My only other piece of advice would be to just go for it!  If you've been inspired by something, give it a try.

What did you use when you first started out?  Did you make any sewing faux-pas??!  We'd love to hear about them!

* this is by no means a complete list of everything you could need to start, just my idea of the basics.